St John’s University-New York Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Philippe

First of all, I would tell myself prior to the start of my senior year that I will maintain my high-level of work in the classroom. "Senioritis" hit me early and I allowed it to put a damper of my coursework. That degression from my previous high level years became the main factor in some universities declining my application. I would also tell myself to not be to focused on the social life and finally gaining freedom from my household and really focus on ensuring my GPA is high. This is because you always want to start off strong because your GPA is harder to adjust as you move on to the next year and accumulate more credits. I would also not try to become too involved in campus organizations right away because adjusting to being a college student is already difficult enough and adding any leadership positions off the bat could hurt your time to focus on academic coursework.

Facia

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a senior, I would probably give myself two pieces of advice. Number one, manage your time wisely. Senior year is the year where you'll be making extremely difficult situations and you need all the time you can to decide and take action. I would advise myself to, make a plan of action. And follow through, because it will make senior year less hectic. My second piece of advice and the most important, give yourself time to find scholarships and actually have time to complete them. The reason is because college expenses are extremely high and knowing my economic situation, I need to find as many scholarships as I can to be able to attend college. If you know how to manage your time and comply with your own plan of action, things will fall into place.

Gabriella

DON'T PROCRASTINATE! Take the initiative and get off your butt and get that job to save up money for books and tuition. The economy has only gotten worse over time, and every little bit of money helps. To make it easier financially on the whole family I wish i knew more about applications for outside scholarships (such as this one) so things would be less stressful. Procrastination is truly your own worst enemy, and it is a terrible work ethic to have going into college. Things build up to quickly and become overwhelming. It is important to prioritize and manage your time efficiently so you are not faced with these mountains of stress.

sharonda

i would tell myself that college is not a given. it is an honor that is recieved by those who truly deserve it and it is not something to be taken lightly. you must work hard so that at the end of your time here, even if you dont do the best, you can say "i tried". i would tell myself to apply to more schools so that i had options. i would also tell myself to beware of all the distractions such as parties. these things will only lead to trouble and lack of focus. it is hard to concentrate on school work when you partied all night long and you have an early class the next day. i would advise myself to also take advantage of all of the on campus groups and activities/

Jeannie

I have gotten a very personal and hands on experience at Saint John's. I can honestly say that I am very happy with my decision in choosing this university. I am offered so many opportunities here that will facilitate my search for a job in the future. This is why it has been very valuable to attend this university. From the career center to the office of financial aids and further on to the college of professional studies, I have been able to acquire skills and knowledge along the way. Due to my experience and time spent here, I will be successful in the future.

Katie

My college experience has changed me in a few short months. For the first time, I'm independent. My education (as well as my laundry) is my responsibility. I took advantage of a winter intercession study abroad trip to Rome, Italy, and discovered Europe for the first time. I'll never forget what it was like to take walking tours with my peers day after day, sit in a restaurant and have trouble pronouncing my order, or be greeted with a cheerful "Bonjourno!" whenever I walked into a retail store. In Discover New York, I learned more about the homelessness problem that was right under my nose in this city all along. I've had experiences and explored academic subjects that I'd never have had without going to college at St. John's. The most obvious and complete knowledge I gained is probably of the New York City subway system. It used to be a mystery to me, but now I know it like the back of my hand!

Alaina

I have gotten so much out of college so far. My year started in August 2010 and I have learned a lot already. My teachers are very motivating and they happy to help me. I have learned so much about Graphic Design. We've learned how to do layouts, and how to design things, and what we shouldn't do. The first semester we focused on visual arts; it is a big thing for Graphic Design. It helps communicate your ideas if you know how to draw. I have also learned how to communicate verbally with people. I am taking a communication class right now. I think by the end of the year, I will be amazing. This is a three-year school finishing with a BFA and I'm almost done with one year. I can't wait to see what I'll be like next year and many years after.

Christopher

I have attained numerous values out of my current enrollment at Burlington County College. Attending BCC during my first semester of freshman year has facilitated my work ethic and afforded me the opportunity to improve my communication skills. Both of these values are essential for success in any endeavors that I choose to pursue. While utilizing these values during the first semester I also achieved a 4.0 GPA, which has made me ecstatic and impatient to start the second half of freshman year. Going to college is necessary in today’s world. The necessity of college is in large part the degree. The key motivation behind getting a degree is to gain a head start above the fast rising enrollment of young high school graduates into a higher educational institution. Essentially, every facet of college is extremely valuable and will further your success and potential earnings throughout your life time. I’m very grateful for the new found work ethic and the large contribution BCC has had on my personality. Although, there are still countless things I have yet to learn and goals that I have yet to achieve. However, I'm very optimistic these dreams will be achieved.

Denise

College might be a scary thought considering you don't know where exactly your classes are at because the campus is huge. Maybe even the hundreds of people walking around on campus might give you anxiety. But to tell you the truth, its not that bad at all. The best part about college is knowing that I'm recieving education to prepare me for my future. It entitles me to to realize that all this hard work will eventually route me in a successful occupation. I would be able to use my knowledge to it highest potiential by helping & improving others. Not only have I gained knowledge but also have learn alot about myself. I've learned how to prioritize my decisions when it comes to school. I'm definitely able to keep a open mind. I've met extordinary people who introduced me into different kinds of music, dance, languages, classes, etc.. In my opinion, its absolutely a wonderful experience. I never know what I'm going to learn that day or who I'm going to meet. Without a doubt, college allows me to recieve my education, interact with new faces, and overall, gives me a satifying experience.

Darian

I have found that upon completing my first semester of college, I have become a more organized individual. In high school, time management didn't really mean much to me. I hardly set aside any time to study, and I would do the majority of my homework during lunch. Once i got to college, my study habits changed dramatically. During my first semester as a freshman, I spent many hours in my schools study hall, and not because there was someone forcing me to do so. It was because I knew that it was necessary for me to be successful at this level. From my current college experience, I have realized that from now on, I will have to be the one to take the intiative.

Yenessi

I was really worried about many things when I first got to college. I worried about who I was, deciding a major, making friends, roomates, teachers, classes, food, things to do, money. I was concerned with pretty much everything. The greatest thing I've gained from my college experience is a sound sense of security and self. I've found the greatest friends I've ever had there. I was able to decide a major. I have amazing roomates, teachers, and classes. I have a full scholarship. There's always food and I'm near enough to the city to always have something to do. My home situation has always been hard and confusing. I never seemed to know which way was up and I certainly had no idea who I was or where I was going. Going to St. John's has given me the kind of foundation I needed to establish myself and what I wanted out of life. I still don't know exactly who I am. What I do know is what I'm looking for and that I'm well on my way to finding it and myself. I owe St. John's almost everything.

Jayana

I've made friends that I'm sure I'll have for life. Coming from a small place like Jackson, Mississippi to New York City was daunting, especially when I heard that people weren't as kind. I'm glad however, that the students I've met at St. John's proved the nay-sayers wrong.

Kristen

I have got alot out of my first semester in college. I learned that eventhough i am an undecided student i am not the only one out their.My school would do everything they can to help me to decide a major. I have attended two seminars on majors that corresponds with things i like to do or i might see myself doing. Because of that i realized i might want to go into communications, but before deciding, my school offers me to take a class and then decide. It has been very valuable for me to attend, because it is not just giving me an education, but it is helping me find myself with my career leading me to success. Instead of giving up on me, my advisor been helping me and i learned so much already already valuable to my future just be attending St.Johns University.

Coral

My time at St. John's University has been a good one so far. I have recieved a some challenging classes and some easy classes. I have learned to make relationships with teachers and to try my best. Most of my professors always told me to stand out in our own way and just to show your effort, ask questions and such. It has been valuable for me to attend college because St. Jon's will give me the skills I need to further my education and eventuakky change the world in my own way.

Fu

I got to be away from home while attending college. Although I lived off campus, I have seen the dorms at the college. It was not the best but I think it was livable. I stayed in the dorms for one night during the orientation and I felt like I was starting my college life. Of course, the academics was not accounted for but my roommates and I were eating chips and playing poker. The college has made me feel like I was in the right place.

Courtney

My college experience has allowed me to grow as a person, especially my developmental thinking skills. I have become much more aware of my surroundings, what is going on in my community and worldwide. In addition I have learned to open my mind to new things by being acceptive of new knowledge.

Joceline

What I have gotten out of the college experience is the independence, the fact that it all up to me to get my education. I am going to school for me, for my future, not for my parents or my family. This is all for me and is up to me to be someone in life.

Gina

Many people think it is a place students go to for academic knowledge and although they are partially right, school, especially college, is also to gain life experiences. Like many kids, this has been my first time living away from home and I am not only in another city I am in another city on the other side of the state. I grew up in southern California, so this is my first time on my own living in Humboldt County near the Oregon Border in northern California and I love every minute of it. Even living at home I was already pretty independent, but I now I have been able to flourish by being all on my own. I have learned to get around in a new city, I have made a whole new group of friends from all over the state, and of course I have learned all about my new school and have so far been doing very well in my classes. Some people forget that college is a life experience that really kick starts a student's life and prepares them for not only being on their own but also created their own life's path.

Priscilla

The one thing that I have gotten out of my college experience thus far is Responsibility. The transistion into college can be really hard especially if you are not the responsible type. Everything is dependent on you. You pass by reading the syllabus. You're teacher does not hold your hand and guide through every process in any of your classes. You have to learn to manage your time and seperate your fun from your studies. I have met alot of people that didn't know how to do that and ended up on academic probabtion because of it. No one wants to see that happen to themselves and their friends. By being responsible, you stay on top of your studies and after completing what needs to be done ahead of time. You can allow yourself some fun to take away some of the stress gained from college.

Siobhan

Going to school in New York City has broadened my mind and offered doors to amazing new experiences. College is a time to find out what type of person you want to be, and then to start to become that person. Besides the practical benefits of earning a degree, I have learned a lot about how I respond to challenges, interact with people, and what I value in myself and others. I know this experience is valuable because there is no other time in your life where you can devote yourself to self-discovery through radically different experiences. In only a year and a half of college, I have branched out in pursuit of new interests, become more confident, and taken classes in everything from Metaphysics to History of the Middle East. Plus, New York City is just awesome.

Adolphus

What I have gotten so far out of my college experience, would be a sense of what being an adult is like. Since starting college I have become very independent and realized that time management is key to staying organized in school. Properly distributing your time with all the activites and work that is demanded from school allows me to keep everything organized so I wont be overwhelmed with work.

Cheryl

Throughout my year of college I have gotten a lot out of it. For instance, college has taught me how to become independent and take responsibility for my own mistakes. It has also taught me the benefits of hard work in order to receive a good grade. College is obviously different from high school because you always have a choice with everything that you do whether it is good or bad. Also, you learn how to manage your time and classes to see if you are available or if you have enough money. It is very valuable to attend because you are able to learn something new by having discussions on certain topics or just thinking “what if?” I would recommend college to anybody because there are always professors that care to help you succeed in life. For example, most of my professors will go out of their way to stay a little longer so that you will be able to comprehend the lesson for that day. Strong dedication is all you need to get that degree.

Marie

I met new friends from different backgound that help me go through everyday problems. I learned skills that I didn't know I was missing until now.

COURTNEY

SO FAR, IN MY FEW WEEKS AT sAINT jOHN;S uNIVERSITY, I HAVE GAINED A SENSE OF SCHOOL SPIRIT. THEY ARE CONSTANTLY HAVING EVENTS THAT ALLOW ME TO MEET NEW PEOPLE AND ENJOY COLLEGE LIFE. SOMETIMES, IT IS EASY TO FEEL LOST OR INSIGNIFICANT ON SUCH A HUGE CAMPUS BUT THAT FEELING GOES AWAY WHEN YOU HEAR A NEW FRIEDN CALLIGN YOUR NAME O5R TURN AROUND AND SEE A FAMILIAR FACE.

Janet

I actually haven't even started my first term here! But, that's how powerful my experience was. I went to this university on several occasions but the one time that stands out the most was the "Accepted Students Day". On this day, I went with my mom and brother, and I was speechless. This school received over 70,000 applicants, and chose 3,000, and I was among the 3,000 chosen ones. I was so honored. I cried because I knew at that point that this was my chance to show others that no matter what your circumstances are - realizing a dream is possible. My dream is slowly coming true. Above all, I'm making my mom proud by getting the best education I can get, starting this fall. I've learned about percevierence, inspiration, and leadership and value the opportunity of being enrolled in such an amazing school.

Alexandra

My college experience has opened my eyes to that fact that anything is possible. As cliche as that sounds, college really changes your perceptive on the way you handle the most difficult situations. I've learned to manage my time and even money better. Times are getting tough and going to college can mean, depending on the person, taking risks. College has been valuable because it taught me patience. Patience is the key to becoming successful.

Wayne

What I have received from attending St. John's is a more defined inner focus on what I want to do in my life. More specifically, the direction that I want my career to go in and the types of people that I want to influence with my career goals. Lastly, St. John's has given me the confidence to pursue the types of goals that I feel that I will do my best for others, as well.

Maite

I visualize the personal satisfaction of seeing my name in the by-line of a story thousands all over the region are reading; I can only imagine touching peoples souls, the way journalist already have. What I have gotten out of my college experience is being involved with such diverse individuals. Also, I've learned the true meaning of responsibility and have become more grateful for everything my mother has done for me. Attending college has become the most valuable part of my life and that is because I have learned so much more than the simple things out of books but life lessons that I'm not sure I would have learned back at home. I went to college to learn but I believe it also strengthened my character along the way.

Ju

I have gotten the opportunity to get to know lots of people of different ethical backgrounds and from different parts of teh world. These people have shared many of their customs and values with me and this had given me the opportunity to see how people from different parts of the world live without having to get on a plane. My college experience has taught me many skills that will take me a long way in life. I have had the chance to experience a city-type environment. Attending St. John's has given me the opportunity to attend many of the Broadway shows that I use to dream of attending. It has given me the opportunity to explore New York City from Times Square to the Statue of Liberty, but most importantly, being a student here has instilled values of care and compassion towards the community by introducing many community service activities for me to partake in.

Korie

My college experience has been invaluable for many reasons. Initially, attending university gave me a sense of identity. It helped shape my political views, allowed me to explore my sexual sensibility, and helped me to develop my own views about life and the world ( a philosphy on life). As time has passed and I've been faced with the realities of being an adult in the "real world", college has taken on a different role in my life. Today college is salvation. It's the road out of that small town that you outgrow. It's the key to opening the door to my new career/life. It's my disciplinarian. For me, nothing comes before it or is more important to me than the process of furthering my education. I'm greatful for the opportunity and second chance to make something more of my life.

Mary

Volunteering and leadership have been the two things I have strived for at St. John?s. Through service, volunteering gave me a sense of worth because I know that I?ve changed a person?s life whether it?s for a few minutes or days. My most memorable volunteer experience was getting chosen to go to Give Kids the World during spring break of 2009. Give Kids the World is a village where parents and their terminally ill child go to get away from hospitals, transfusions, and pain for a week. To experience this village for a week was such a rewarding experience. I was able to give the children an opportunity to make their days at the Village a little brighter and happier. Another aspect I concentrated on during my undergrad was leadership. I am a proud member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Gamma Sigma Alpha, Tau Upsilon Alpha, and Order of Omega. From being in these different organizations, I learned to become a motivated individual and I am able to work well with others. With everything I?ve been through so far in my twenty-one years of life, I can only hope it benefits me in the future

Justin

Life here at St. John's has taught me, above all else, the value of hard work and dedication to a cause, with particular focus on community service. As a member of the Vincentian Community, my school constantly encourages students to use the skills and abilities they develop here to help uplift those around them and in turn, make the world a much better place.

Deana

When I was a High School senior, I was terrified of college life so much that I almost did not go. The best advice I would give myself now, is don't worry about it. The unknown is exactly what makes college life so exciting, and to live life slowly, making sure to enjoy every moment of it. You don't have to know what you want to do, often times you don't even know yourself well enough to answer that question until you've been on your own for a while and have time to figure things out. That's exactly what college life is; taking time to get to know yourself, so take advantage of it. Also, never, never, never choose a major or career with the intentions of chasing money, you will only end up unmotivated and probably won't do that well anyway. Do what you love, and you will always have what you need.

Chantal

Looking back, there are SO many things that I would advise myself against. I was too comfortable as a senior; I had worked all through high school with no social life and my senior year was my largest load ever. I combined AP courses with seven after-school activities, volunteer work, and a weekend job. I thought that all the work I did during high school would surely secure me a full-ride to whatever college I applied to, yet that was not the case. I applied to four colleges - only to find myself put on the waitlist for one, rejected from another but accepted into my top two choices. My advice is to never become too comfortable OR be too proud. Community college is a VERY smart choice your first year. APPLY for scholarships, and find out about your desired school's scholarship deadlines. Financial aid is decreasing every year and the price of college is increasing rapidly. Do NOT rely on getting a full-ride because they are NOT being doled out easily nowadays. Money is tight and colleges are watching their funds - only the cream of the crop will get the juiciest pieces. But ALWAYS persevere.

Michael

If I could go back in time and talk to the high school senior Mike, I would tell myself to go to college sooner. I've worked many deadend jobs, and I know now that there aren't many jobs you can get that are worth while that you don't need some kind of degree for. I would also tell myself to apply myself harder in high school, because there are many tools for success there that aren't as easily accessable once you graduate. Especially when you don't do as well as you can in your classes.

Yuliya

First, take a breath. College seems like it's a lifetime away but at the same time like it's right around the corner. Instead of trying to take in every moment of high school and trying to remember everything, just live in the moment. Do not worry about how you will keep in contact with all of your friends or whether you will be able to handle the workload of a college semester. Let things happen naturally, and enjoy every moment. Although college seems like it is a different world, it is exciting to learn what you want to learn and to have more freedom and responsibility. Do not forget high school, but rather treasure the memory and keep your head held high as you embark on a new step in your life.

Lauren

High school is crazy. There is never enough time to decide what to do, let alone actually do it. The drive to do your best, to never give up, and above all to never fail is a constant and often really irritating presence. Honestly, I don't know how I survived. But I did make the best of it. Even though I may not have made it to every social event, or gotten that "A" I stayed up all night studying for, I was able to pull through because I knew that there was something bigger and better to look forward to. College has been a case study in time management, craziness, and simply figuring out where I am going with my life. Everything I learned in high school has come in handy, from study skills to decide how long I am procrastinating, or just knowing when to sit back and laugh off a problem. Make choices wisely, but don't be afraid to say you messed up or need help. But the most important thing about college, and life in general, is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. You've worked plenty hard. You deserve it.

Latrice

You attended class and performed very well. You got applications in on time and applied for multiple scholarships. You wore your school name with pride when playing varsity sports. You recieved awards of honor and academic achievement. You built life long relationships. Yet, on graduation day you saw half of those in your senior class, and less than a quarter recieve honors diplomas. You ask yourself why? College is about finding your comfort zone. You must make accomodations for you and your room mates in order to enjoy your experience. I have learned the beauty of service and would have offered assistance to many of my high school peers if I could. To witness many repeat their senior year or drop out was very heart wrentching, and if I could start over I would offer them the knowledge I had of preparing for college. It would have been more comfortable knowing that I could recieve my diploma along with more than half of my senior class. To sacrifice even an hour of my day to help another get acclimated with the college process would have made my college transition easier. I would have been used to assisting others.

Katiuscia

Often times, we tell ourselves "If only I knew then what I know now," whenever we are referring to things we could have done differently in the past. If I could go back in time and talk to my self as a high school senior, I would inform myself about things I learned about college during my freshman year and of my current sophmore year. I would first stress to my high school senior self about being punctual with homework. Procrastination took a toll on my GPA by the end of my freshman year when I knew I have the ability to do better. Telling my high school senior self about my GPA would definitely help me be more focused and attentive throughout freshman year. I would also mention saving money because it would be easier to manage for purchasing books, going out, and for other personal finances. My high school senior self would be more prepared for the obstacles that I eventually overcame during my freshman year of college and now as I further my education.

Deirdre

Having gone through the college experience I understand how it is a difficult transition, some more than others. Therefore, there are a few pieces of advice that I would give to myself as a high school senior. First, college is going to be one of the greatest experiences in your life. You are going to learn so much both academically, socially, and much more about yourself. This is why it is important to take full advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. I would say that no matter how difficult it may be or outside of your comfort zone you may feel, keep an open mind. It will be in your favor to keep experiencing new and different situations and getting to know people. You will be surprised how many relationships you will make and more importantly how far this journey will take you. Above all else, don?t be afraid to take chances because in the end it will be worth it.

Lakreshia

If I was given the opportunity to talk to myself as a high school senior knowing what I now know about college, I would definitely tell myself that time management is the most important principle that you will ever practice during college. Once you learn how to balance your time, the possibilities are endless. Figuring out what is most important in your life is also important when deciding to attend college. If you plan on having a job while in school, you have to figure out whether the job or an education is more important as far as deciding the amount of hours you plan to work. If you can?t juggle work, school, and a social life then something has to give. A social life is important in any person?s life at any phase of their school career but education should come first. After all college is preparing you for your career, something you?ll be doing to support yourself and to make a living in the long run. I can?t stress how important time management is while in college. First learn yourself then decide how to organize your schedule in order to become a successful student.

Pia

If I could go back in time and talk to myself, I would tell me that I need to work harder in school and not let things distract me. I would also tell myself that I should get more involved. I would still make the decision to attend St. John's and to live on campus. But realistically, I wouldnt change anything about my decision to stay close to home.

Nancy

High school is tailored to teens. I say this because what follows is that the first couple of years of college are tailored to aging teens, or teenagers. When in high school, there is much restriction in terms of space (we're confined in one building for four academic years) and free will (we follow so many rules and the majority of our classes are predetermined). However, college represents freedom... we can roam the campus and also make decisions like adults. Also, we are more aware of our future: we pick a major and work towards building our career. Learn as many and different things as possible in high school so you may choose what you have a passion for in college. Do not be afraid of stepping out of the confinements of high school once in college. Finally, know that friends for life are indeed made in college.

Jessica

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to plan ahead. Don't wait until the last minute to do your work and take it seriously. In high school, you can not go to class and barely pass your tests and still pass the class. College is VERY different. If you have an assignment due next week don't wait until 2 or 3 days before to start researching. Start the day you are assigned the assignment even if you take 20 mins out each day to do a little bit of research at a time. One thing to think about is that most likely that is not your only class and your only assignment so now instead of 1 project due tomorrow you just remember you have 2 more and now your up until the wee hours of the night trying to come up with some type of project/ paper that is quickly thrown together. Another thing I would tell myself is to study a little bit everyday. Even if you just review your notes, cramming for a test is never good!

Brenna

If I could tell my senior year self some good advice, it would be to relax more and let things fall into place. I would also tell myself to remember to study. Although senior year in high school I found it easy to make friends, I would remind myself that college is different and not to get upset when friends dont show up right away. Finals are tough as well. Never forget to study hard for finals, I would tell myself, and dont get upset if you dont get an A on all of your tets or exams. The friends that really matter will be there forever, so it's those that wont be hard to keep in contact with, the others may fall out of friendships, but new friends will come with your new college experience. And finally, GOOD LUCK, keep your head up and never stop believing in yourself.

rachael

go to college , get involved on campus anh have alot of friends. be very focused on academics and enjoy the college experience

Khem

The advice i would give myself as a high school senior would be "You are going to College to learn. Choose to learn about something that you are really interested in. Search yourself and know what you truly have a passion and a desire for. The more you love what you do the more of yourself you will put into it's success. You live to work, not work to live. These next few years are going to be some of the most perception changing years you will have as an a young adult, enjoy every second them. Try new things that you have never done before, and always remember that your family is proud of you no matter what".

Jessica

When I was a senior in high school I wasn?t too worried about college. I didn?t know where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do, and I didn?t have the money for it. I just wanted to take a year off. Well, that year turned into almost three years, and I?m finally attending the school I want for the career that I want. If I could go back to my senior year in high school I would have done everything different. The biggest piece of advice I would have given myself would?ve been to not take time off. I would have looked into all the different schools and careers and made sure I knew what I wanted to do by the time I graduated. I also would have studied harder to better prepare myself for the college atmosphere.

Nicholas

I would tell myself prepare for the large load of work. Make sure you're always on top of it and don't leave anything for the last minute. College is a process, and being the best at the process early from the beginning will make it much easier when you get those long weeks ahead of you.

Nalisa

I would tell myself that I better brace myself because I would literally grow up. I became a bigger person and I matured in a few months more than I did in a few years in high school. Somehow I became the master of my future and everything down to finances, grades, and my social life all came down to me. It was difficult but I am very happy that this change occured. I am independent and I find that I have met really good people and have learned a lot of valuable things. Some freshmen including a lot of my peers came in independent already but for me I went from a sprout to a sturdy tree. To all freshmen- relax and enjoy the ride because college is definately a trip in which you are a planner.